There are many reasons to take pride in the city we live in whether it be for sports, culture, attractions, or even the weather. But did you know that Detroit is considered the Car Capital of the World? Nickname Motor City thanks to Henry Ford you’ll find Detroit in the southeast of Michigan directly across the Detroit River from Windsor, Ontario.
Things to See and Do in Detroit
- The cultural-minded should spend a day at the Detroit Institute of Arts. The museum has over 60,000 works of art in its collection.
- Visit Belle Isle. An island park, located on the Detroit River, was originally designed in 1883 by Frederick Law Olmstead, the designer of Central Park. At the tip of the island, you will find a great view of downtown Detroit.
- Have a hot dog at Lafayette Coney Island. A “Coney” in Detroit is a hot dog covered in chili, mustard, and onions. Lafayette is the best in the city. But don't just order a dog, make sure to include chili fries and a coke.
- For those animal lovers, visit the Detroit Zoo, over 3,000 animals call the zoo home.
- Sports! It doesn’t matter the time of year you visit there is a game for any sports fan from the Detroit Tigers ball team, Detroit Red Wings hockey team, and of course the Detroit Lions football team.
- For a step back in history, visit the old Michigan Central Station. It was built in 1913 and abandoned in 1987. You can get a spectacular view of the building if you are coming over the Ambassador Bridge from Canada.
- Speaking of Canada, why not take a trip over to Windsor, Ontario! Just a short drive through the tunnel or across the Ambassador Bridge, Windsor has a beautiful downtown and many great restaurants.
- Take a trip to the suburbs. Just outside the city, visit Ferndale, Royal Oak, and Birmingham. Each of these suburbs has a small downtown with unique boutiques and restaurants worthy of an afternoon of browsing.
- For architecture lovers, you’ll want to visit Cranbrook, Michigan. This educational community started in the early 1900s and features designs by Eliel Saarinen, Albert Kahn, Steven Holl, Tod Williams Billie Tsien, and Rafael Moneo. It has been dubbed the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America.
- No trip to Motor City is complete without a factory tour. The Henry Ford and Ford Rouge Factory is located in Dearborn and has one of the finest automotive history collections n the country. Right next door you’ll find the Automotive Hall of Fame that walks you through automotive history from the first gasoline-powered automobile.
There are many amazing things to do and see in Detroit; I hope these ten ideas make you want to get out and explore.